Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Recipe | Comfort Food Dinner Idea
"Cozy Swedish meatball soup is creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. A comforting recipe with tender meatballs and rich broth, perfect for family dinners, cold nights, or when you want a warm Scandinavian-inspired dish."
Equipment
- Dutch oven or heavy soup pot
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Airtight storage containers
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Salt & pepper to taste
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken or beef stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Lingonberry jam (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: Mix beef, pork, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, and spices. Shape into small meatballs. Chill briefly to firm.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat butter in Dutch oven. Brown meatballs in batches until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic if desired.
- Build Broth: Pour in stock, add potatoes and bay leaf. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Add Meatballs: Return meatballs to pot. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until cooked through.
- Finish with Cream: Lower heat and stir in sour cream or heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with lingonberry jam for authentic flavor.
- Expert Tip: Rest meatballs briefly before simmering to keep them tender and intact.
Notes
- Variations: Add mushrooms and herbs for earthy depth, chili flakes for spice, or coconut cream for dairy-free.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze meatballs separately for best texture.
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop to avoid curdling cream.
- Pairings: Serve with crusty bread, rye rolls, or mulled wine for a cozy Scandinavian meal.
- Common Mistakes: Chill meatball mixture to prevent crumbling, add cream at low heat to avoid curdling, and simmer vegetables gently to keep them tender but not mushy.